Students in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) were among 37 local winners of awards from the Critics and Awards Program (Cappies) honoring high school actors, stage technicians, singers, dancers, and theater critics. The national capital area awards were presented at a gala held in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on June 5.

Marshall Nannes, a student at Walt Whitman High School, received the award for best male vocalist as a cast member in the school's production of “Les Miserables.” The best orchestra award went to Winston Churchill High School for the orchestra's performance in “Big.” Three additional MCPS students receiving nominations for awards were Sara Evans and Bridget Woodbury, Walt Whitman High School, for stage crew and Jessica Malashevich, Walt Whitman High School, for lead actress.

This was the sixth annual Cappies Gala in the national capital area. More than 50 public and private high schools participated in the competition, which was judged by 240 expert reviewers. The program, which began locally, has expanded to cities across the nation.